ODM Party leader Oburu Oginga has called for urgent investigations into the disappearance of Raphael Tuju, urging the government to act with transparency as concerns mount over the whereabouts of the former minister and his driver, Steve Mwanga.
In a statement on Sunday, Oburu said he had been “informed of the emerging issues surrounding Hon. Raphael Tuju” and had “urgently called upon the government, through the relevant investigative bodies, to look into this matter with transparency.”
His remarks come as Tuju’s family confirmed he has been missing since Saturday.
According to the family, Tuju was expected to appear for an interview with Ramogi FM on Saturday night but never made it back home. His phone has remained switched off, raising alarm among relatives and associates.
The situation took a worrying turn on Sunday morning when Tuju’s son, Mano Tuju, received a call from officers at Karen Police Station seeking help to identify an abandoned vehicle found along Miotoni Lane in Karen. The vehicle was later confirmed to belong to Tuju.
His lawyer further revealed that Tuju had reported to police that he was being followed by “an unplated white Land Cruiser 70 series” on Friday, a day before his disappearance. A missing person’s report has since been filed, marking the second official entry recorded by the family at the station.
The disappearance comes against the backdrop of an ongoing legal battle involving Tuju and the auction of his high-value properties in Karen over an alleged Sh1.9 billion loan dispute with the East African Development Bank. The contested properties include Entim Sidai Wellness Sanctuary and Dari Business Park.
In recent correspondence, Tuju had raised concerns over what he termed an “unlawful police occupation” of Dari Business Park, claiming more than 100 officers raided the premises without a court order and remained stationed there for nearly a week.
He said the operation had “effectively paralysed activities” at the facility, locking out tenants and professionals from accessing offices and critical documents.
He has also written to Martha Koome questioning judicial processes surrounding the planned auction.
As investigations intensify, Oburu reiterated his commitment to accountability, stating he remains “steadfast in my commitment to championing social justice and civic responsibility,” while urging unity as the search for Tuju continues.
